Bass Coast Shire Council will continue to make improvements to Cowes Streetscapes in a major project to connect the township and foreshore, boost dining and retail, encourage more pedestrians and generate investment in the long-loved seaside town.
The Streetscape Master Plan is part of the greater Cowes Activity Centre Plan, a major place-shaping plan which includes the development of the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre and completed projects including the Jetty Triangle, Cowes Transit Centre and implemented planning controls.
The Master Plan concentrates, on the activity centre including Thompson Avenue from The Esplanade to Church Street and Bass Avenue, which aim to make more seamless links between The Esplanade to Olive Justice Place and the redeveloped Cowes Cultural and Community Centre, which is due to open in 2023.
The plan also encourages more ride and walk options, including protected bike lanes and safe pedestrian access.
The final Cowes Streetscape Master Plan considered comments raised during the five-week community consultation period earlier this year. Changes made to the draft plan include feedback about traffic direction, the retention of roundabouts and materiality.
Council unanimously adopted the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan on Wednesday afternoon.
Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan said the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan would guide long-term improvements to the town, which would benefit both residents and tourists. $2.25 million has been allocated in Councils long-term financial plan budget for the planning, design and delivery of the project.
“Phillip Island and Cowes are among Victoria’s most loved and most popular holiday and weekender destinations,” Cr Whelan said.
“This is an exciting project for Cowes, which will provide better integration between the town and the foreshore; and help it continue to be a tourism destination of choice for years to come as its popularity grows.”
“The final Master Plan will provide strategic direction to inform the next stages of detailed design and delivery of the project,” Cr Whelan said.
